Laser Target System in Combination with an Aiming Device for Percutaneous CT-Guided Interventions - An Accuracy Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT)-guided interventions are crucial for accurate diagnoses and treatments.
• Laser guidance systems offer potential for improved targeting in CT procedures.
• Evaluating adjunct devices is essential for optimizing interventional accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of an aiming device on the targeting accuracy of laser-guided punctures during CT interventions.
• To compare needle placement accuracy and procedural time with and without an aiming device.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of combined laser guidance and an aiming device in vitro.

Main Methods:

• 600 CT-guided punctures were performed on conically shaped targets in a plexiglass phantom.
• Procedures utilized a laser target system, with half including an additional aiming device.
• Needle placement accuracy (Euclidean and normal distances) and procedural time were measured across varying CT slice thicknesses (1.25, 2.5, 5 mm).

Main Results:

• The aiming device significantly improved targeting accuracy (p < 0.001) at 1.25 mm and 2.5 mm slice thicknesses.
• Mean normal distances with the aiming device were 1.76 mm (1.25 mm slices), 2.09 mm (2.5 mm slices), and 1.93 mm (5 mm slices).
• Procedural time increased slightly with the aiming device (29.8 min vs. 24.8 min without).

Conclusions:

• The use of an aiming device in conjunction with laser guidance substantially enhances targeting accuracy in CT-guided punctures.
• This combination offers a significant improvement over freehand passes for in vitro CT interventions.
• The aiming device is a valuable adjunct for improving precision in laser-guided CT procedures.